The Bose 700, sold as the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, is still a strong noise cancelling headphone, with eight microphones, 11 levels of noise cancellation and about 20 hours of battery. But it launched in 2019, and Bose’s newer QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) from September 2025 is now its flagship, so buy the 700 only at a good discount.
Bose 700 review: quick facts
| Feature | Bose 700 |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2019 |
| Launch price | $399 in the US (£349.95 in the UK) |
| Microphones | Eight |
| Noise cancelling levels | 11 adjustable levels |
| Battery life | Up to 20 hours (claimed) |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Controls | Touch panel on the right ear cup, plus buttons |
| Colours | Black, silver |
| Battery | Built in, not replaceable |
Design and comfort
The Bose 700 has a clean, minimal look. The headband is stainless steel and the ear cups are polycarbonate. It came in black and silver at launch.
On the right ear cup there is a touch-sensitive panel for swiping through tracks and changing volume. It charges with USB-C, which was not standard on headphones when it came out. One limit to note: the battery is built in and not user-replaceable, so the headphones’ useful life depends on how long the battery lasts.
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Noise cancellation
Noise cancellation is the main reason people bought the 700. Bose uses eight microphones in total for noise cancelling and calls. You can set noise cancelling to 11 levels, from full blocking down to a transparency-style mode that lets in outside sound.
In everyday use, it blocks most outside noise very well, which makes it a good travel companion. Voice call quality was one of its big selling points over the older QuietComfort 35, because the microphones are good at separating your voice from background noise.
Sound quality
The 700 has a balanced sound. Vocals are clear and the range across genres is good, so it suits podcasts, film soundtracks and Bollywood music equally well. It does not push the bass as hard as some rivals.
Bose’s QuietComfort 45 has a bassier tuning. That suits some listeners but can make orchestral music sound less clean. If you prefer a neutral sound, the 700 is the better fit of the two.
App and smart features
Setup runs through the Bose Music app, which has a clean layout. You can change the noise cancelling level, adjust settings and manage connections there. Our main wishes from the original review still apply: a find-my-headphones feature and more detailed equaliser controls would help.
Amazon Alexa is built in, and Google Assistant and Siri can be reached through a dedicated button on the ear cup.
Battery life
Bose claims up to 20 hours per charge, and in our testing that figure held up at moderate volume. Higher volume reduces it. This is lower than rivals: Sony’s WH-1000XM3 offered about 30 hours, and newer Bose models such as the QuietComfort headphones claim 24 hours and the QuietComfort Ultra up to 28 hours.
Bose 700 vs newer Bose and Sony models
| Model | Launched | Claimed battery | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bose 700 | 2019 | 20 hours | Sleek design, 11 ANC levels, strong call quality |
| Bose QuietComfort Headphones | September 2023 | 24 hours | 10 ANC levels, USB-C, launched at $350 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra | October 2023 | Up to 28 hours | Spatial audio, launched at $430 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) | September 2025 | See Bose’s site | Bose’s current top model |
When Bose launched the QuietComfort Ultra in 2023, it was presented as the new top of its range, with reviewers noting it followed the 700. Sony’s WH-1000XM4 was our suggested alternative at the time, with a lower price, a better app and longer battery life.
Buying a discounted Bose 700: what to check
- Seller and warranty: buy from Bose or an authorised seller so the warranty is valid in India.
- Battery health: since the battery cannot be replaced, avoid old stock or used units with weak battery backup.
- Box contents: confirm every accessory listed on the box is included, including the charging cable.
- Price gap: compare the price with the newer QuietComfort models. If the gap is small, the newer model is the better buy.
Verdict: should you buy the Bose 700 in 2026?
The Bose 700 set a high standard for noise cancellation and call quality, and it still performs well. Its weak points today are its 20-hour battery and its age, since newer models have more battery life and newer features.
Buy it if you find it at a clear discount and want its slim design and balanced sound. If you want the latest Bose noise cancelling, look at the QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) instead. Check the price on Bose’s official store and authorised sellers before buying. More reviews are in our technology section and lifestyle picks.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bose 700 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes, if it is discounted. Its noise cancellation and call quality are still good, but newer Bose models offer longer battery life and newer features.
What is the battery life of the Bose 700?
Bose claims up to 20 hours on a full charge. Higher volume reduces it.
What replaced the Bose 700?
Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra headphones, launched in October 2023, took over as its top model. A second generation followed in September 2025.
Does the Bose 700 have a replaceable battery?
No. The battery is built in and cannot be replaced by the user.
Sources: Bose headphones, Wikipedia, TechCrunch, Bose upgrades its QuietComfort line, Bose official site.
